Louis Delmas' status for Detroit Lions game against Philadelphia remains up in the air

AP File PhotoSafety Louis Delmas could be back on the field for the Detroit Lions this week.

ALLEN PARK -- Detroit Lions safety Louis Delmas sat out practice on Friday, the first he's missed since returning last week after an August knee surgery. Coach Jim Schwartz said the decision to hold Delmas out on Friday was always the plan.

"We had planned to ease him back at the end of the week," Schwartz said. "He's doing well, hasn't had any setbacks and we'd like to keep it that way."

Whether Delmas is able to play on Sunday, when the Lions travel to Philadelphia to play the Eagles, remains to be seen.

"Each and every day I feel like I'm getting stronger, but like I said, I'm not 100 percent right now," Delmas said. "We'll see. If my coaches and my trainers feel I'm ready to go then I'll go."

It's been frustrating for Delmas, watching from the sidelines as the Lions have started the season 1-3.

"It's like you being sick, not being able to do what you love," Delmas said. "My teammates have been doing a good job having my back, keeping me grounded, letting me know it's going to be okay."

If Delmas is given the green light to play on Sunday, the Lions want to be careful not to overwork him.

"As far as playing time, how much he's going to play, I can't tell you that right now," defensive coordinator Gunther Cunningham said. "He worked hard this week, but we need to be careful. You can't just come back and play 100 plays. We're going to have to be bright about that."

After two knee surgeries, Delmas is simply eager to remind Lions fans what he can bring to the table.

"I'm clear-minded now. The monkey is off my back. I just can't wait to play. I just can't wait to get out there and show the city of Detroit what they've been waiting on."